A First Date

Posted on 05 Nov 2020 @ 5:02am by Civilian Iola Hawkins

Mission: R&R - after facing the Planet Killer
Location: Iola's quarters
1277 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Michael took great care to make sure he was well dressed, nothing formal, but something that looked nice and was comfortable. He checked his hair once more, picked up the two wooden baskets which held purple pansies in one and the other purple violets. Since the baskets had metal loops for handles, Michael carried them this way. The plants were in bloom. Also looped around his arm was a bag which contained a grow light to give them some needed 'sun' and a small watering can.

He reached Iola's room and rang the chime to her door. He wondered if he should have messaged her first but, he wanted to surprise Iola.

"Hello Iola, I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date to Starbase 308. We can go do some shopping, have a meal in a restaurant, go walk in their forest area? Does that sound good to you?" he looked down at the plants, "And these flowers are for you." Michael giving a warm smile.

Her eyes lit up not only at just seeing him unexpectedly, but also at the baskets with flowers "Purple!" she exclaimed, her expression brightening. "Come in come in, flowers need place first." The whole question about a date had escaped her at the sight of the beautiful flowers in the colour she loved so much. "You want tea?"

Michael chuckled at seeing Iola's delight in the flowers he brought. He stepped inside her quarters, the door closing with a quiet swoosh.

"I brought a watering can and a grow light for them to have some artificial sun." he stated, with a smile. "Tea would be lovely, thank you." he looking around to find a spot to set the flowers down.

Iola went to get them a pot of tea and two cups and returned with them within a minute. the wonders of a replicator still amazed the young woman, but it did save a lot of time. "Light here not enough for plants?" she asked as she waved at the grow light.

Michael shook his head. "They need just a bit more light than what is given, via the lights in the room. This full spectrum ott light will help them get what they will need. As if they were outside in the sunshine, in a garden. " he took one of the cups from her.

"My mother has a lovely garden that has these very plants in them, plus some others. There is also a greenhouse that houses her other plants." Michael taking a seat to where he and Iola could have some tea.

"Ah..." She made sure the plants and the light were situated so she could enjoy her tea. "Have you heard about wedding coming up? Very soon...hear crew gossip, someone saw first officer in shop... Doctor and first officer."

A beep on his padd, and Michael looked at the message.

"Well, I just got the invitation to attend their wedding. Amelia and Syvar. That is fantastic! Would you like to go to their wedding with me?" Michael smiled. "This is a surprise, but I am glad that I get to see them get married. I consider them both family. Those two, from how they speak of each other, are very much in love."

"I think I met both," Iola said thoughtfully, "but not know them well. Doctor seems very nice...he Vulcan but very...emotional?" She arched an eyebrow at him. "I hear Vulcans...not emotional?"

Michael smiled, "He may seem more emotional than other Vulcans, but there are some who don't mind showing their emotions. They are rare and I do accept Syvar for whom he is. He was raised by humans and hadn't been around other vulcans, much like you not having been around your people. He is.. who he is, and I wouldn't want to change him."

Taking a drink, Michael lowered his tea cup. "Delicious tea, Iola. Now as for my question would you like to go to the wedding with me, then I take you to the station to show you the sights?"

"Yes, yes I go with you," Iola smiled, "would not say no. They family, important to you. You important to me, so I go with you." She beamed at him. "What should I wear?"

"Well, you can wear one of the dresses you have," going to her closet, and examining what was there. "You have dresses you can choose from that would be perfect. There is the burgundy, the dark yellow, the dark purple, and the bright yellow dress too. Perhaps the dark purple one." bringing them out of the closet then laying them down on her bed.

"Hold on, let me get an accent piece." Michael stated, moving towards the replicator and murmured something softly to it.

Once done, Michael turned around holding a hair clip which had a beautiful yellow silken flowers for her to place in her long purple hair.

"This we can put in your hair, if you choose the dark purple dress." he quietly said, smiling softly.

"You have sense for fashion," Iola grinned, picking up the dress and twirling around with it. It wasn't her favourite dress but she could tell Michael liked to see her in it. "I change," she added and promptly slid out of the dress she was wearing now without any sense of shame or want for privacy. She still wasn't used to such luxuries, and probably wouldn't be for quite some time. "Help me with dress?" she asked as she wiggled into the dark purple one.

Michael quickly turned his back until she got into the dress, however something was nagging him at the back of Michael's mind while he helped Iola zip up her dress. Then it hit him, "I am so stupid!" Michael exclaimed, pausing in mid zip. I just remembered something about your dresses. I wish I had thought of it before now. This purple dress is the one you had mentioned you would use when you are taking care of your diplomatic business. If you would like to change into your favorite dress instead, I won't mind. The date and the wedding is supposed to be a happy occasion and, wear the dress that will make you happiest. The hair clip with the yellow flowers will go with just about any of your dresses."

"Is wedding not kind of diplomatic function? I not now them well..." Iola frowned. "I think I should wear purple dress, it better for occasion than pink or yellow. Bride should stand out, not me."

"You are right, Iola, you could say this is something like a diplomatic function. Though not everyone is probably being invited to the wedding. I think they might be making it small, with... those whom they consider family. And with them getting married, at times people come with someone to accompany them." he smiled, finishing zipping up her dress.

"I come with you." Iola smiled as she turned to face him. She reached to touch his cheek. "I your... date?" She tilted her head at him in question. "Plus one, I hear some say."

"Yes you are my date, and some would say your are my plus one." Michael said smiling, giving her a light kiss on her lips. "I'm glad you are coming with me."

"Me too," Iola smiled around the kiss. "I really like this." She broke off and leaned against him. "We should go, not want to be late for wedding."

"You are right don't want to be late." placing the flower in Iola's hair. "We are ready." Offering his arm before they proceed out the door to the wedding.